Welcome to my Blog!

I'm so glad that you stopped by to check out my blog. Here you will find updates about my life as a wife, mama, worship leader, and photographer. I specialize in children and family photography as well as weddings, but I love to capture all special moments and the beauty of all creation! I am so blessed and it is my prayer to honor our Creator through all that I do!

Contact me by email: laurenvia@gmail.com!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Declan got these really neat cars from Jimmy's dad the other day. They have a really modern design, and they roll great! Plus, they come apart like blocks... and can be mixed and matched. Declan sat in the kitchen completely content while I cooked dinner the other night. If anyone knows D... its a miracle if he sits anywhere doing anything for longer than a minute! He was so sweet sitting there, that I had to stop cooking to take a few photos.

This past weekend we celebrated my Granddad's 90th birthday. This man is such an amazing inspiration to me and to everyone who knows him. He has seen more life and survived more world events than we can even conceive... including his service in WWII. Just last month, he discovered that he would be facing the biggest battle of his life... lung cancer. My granddad has always been unbelievably healthy and young for his age. He has never had any serious illness... and is now facing being sick for the first time. However, he is facing it all with dignity and grace... and cares about the well-being of my Grandmother and my family above his own self. I have always appreciated his gentle spirit, kindness, warm acceptance, and spiritual guidance. I felt so blessed to celebrate such a wonderful life and look forward to continuing the celebration in the future. I hope to post more photos from his 90th birthday party later on... but until then, here's one photo that I just pulled off my camera!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

I had such a very fun time photographing Katie and Derek's engagement session. They are such a sweet and fun couple... and they were so willing to try things that were very different for them! Thanks so much, you two, for all your cooperation... and for being such fun!

PS... One of the locations I used for this shoot was the Earth and Tea Cafe . I LOVE this place. It has such a unique look... and their menu is great! They serve an extensive list of teas and very delicious food! If you're in Harrisonburg, you should definitely check it out.... and maybe you'll see me there! Thanks so much to the cafe for letting me shoot there!

Friday, March 6, 2009

"She is clothed with dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!' Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."

Proverbs 31: 25-31

My mother is the most selfless person I know. She is beautiful inside and out! I am so proud to know her and to have been raised by her. I pray that she is blessed beyond measure as she celebrates her birthday this year!Love you Mom!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

A few weeks ago our church held a model car race... called the "Awana Grand Prix." Declan had so much fun building and painting his car with his daddy! He also really enjoyed the race! What a fun experience for my little guy! I think Jimmy had fun too! haha! Here are a few photos from the night.